Who Put Bella In the Wych Elm?
In the Stuff You Should Know podcast, the hosts delve into the strange case known as "Bella in the Witch Elm." They recount how a human skull was found in a Hagley Wood tree in 1943, setting off an investigation into the unidentified victim. The episode explores the initial inquiry led by pathologist James Webster, the scant evidence gathered, and failed attempts to identify the victim at the time.
It also examines various theories surrounding the victim's identity and death circumstances, including graffiti pointing to a "Bella," folklore scholar Margaret Murray's speculation about witchcraft rituals, and an anonymous writer's claims of a tragic prank gone wrong. The episode discusses renewed interest in the decades-old case, modern forensic efforts stymied by lack of evidence, and the continued mystery of how the woman's remains ended up in the hollow tree.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Feb 25, 2025 episode of the Stuff You Should Know
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1-Page Summary
Investigation of "Bella in the Witch Elm" Case
Boys Find Human Skull in Hagley Wood, 1943
In April 1943, four teenage boys discovered a human skull with hair and teeth in a hollow tree in Hagley Wood, Britain. Initially concealing their find, one boy later reported it to authorities, sparking an investigation.
Police Pathologist James Webster Leads the Initial Investigation
Pathologist James Webster concluded the remains belonged to a murdered woman around 35 years old, strangled 18 months prior with fabric stuffed in her mouth. The remains included a shoe and wedding ring.
Police Fail to Identify Victim and Solve Case
Despite extensive efforts, the victim's identity remained unknown. Missing person reports and dental records yielded no matches, while the shoe's manufacturer was traced but its original owner unidentified.
Victim's Identity and Death Circumstances Theories
Graffiti in 1944: "Bella" and the "Witch Elm"
In 1944, graffiti emerged referencing "Bella" and the "Witch Elm," implying someone knew the victim's identity and sought justice. However, police investigations found no new leads.
Folklorist Margaret Murray Proposes Witch Cult Sacrifice
Folklorist Margaret Murray theorized the case was a witchcraft-related sacrifice without evidence, associating it with ancient tree worship and fertility cults.
Alternate Theory From Anonymous Writer "Una"
"Una" claimed the victim was a Dutch national accidentally killed by her husband and a spy named Van Ralt in a drunken prank gone wrong.
Developments and Attempts to Solve the Case
Donald Mccormick's 1968 Book Features Fabricated Details
McCormick's 1968 book falsely linked the victim to German spy Clara Bauerle, contradicting known evidence.
2013 Renewed Attention on German Spy Joseph Jakobs Case
In 2013, theories emerged connecting the victim to German spy Josef Jakobs and his alleged mistress Clara Bauerle, but evidence contradicted these speculative claims.
Unsuccessful Dna or Forensic Analysis Efforts
Modern forensic analysis efforts have been hindered by the loss or destruction of original evidence from the case, leaving the victim's identity and death circumstances unsolved.
1-Page Summary
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Actionables
- You can explore local history mysteries by researching unsolved cases in your area using online archives and local libraries to develop a deeper understanding of your community's past. For example, you might find old newspaper clippings or police records that detail unresolved incidents, which can give you a sense of the historical context and societal changes over time.
- Enhance your critical thinking skills by analyzing conspiracy theories or historical mysteries presented in various media, and practice separating fact from fiction. Start by choosing a well-known conspiracy theory, then use online scholarly databases or fact-checking websites to investigate the claims made and learn to discern credible sources from speculative ones.
- Improve your problem-solving abilities by creating a fictional mystery game for friends or family, incorporating elements of historical cases and logical deduction. Design a storyline that involves deciphering clues, similar to a murder mystery dinner party, which can help you understand the complexities of real-life investigations and the importance of attention to detail.
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Investigation of "Bella in the Witch Elm" Case
The case known as "Bella in the Witch Elm" remains one of Britain's most intriguing unsolved mysteries, beginning with the grisly find by four teenage boys in Hagley Wood during WWII.
Boys Find Human Skull in Hagley Wood, 1943
In April of 1943, four teenage boys—Robert Hart, Bob Farmer, Tommy Willets, and Fred Payne—went foraging in Hagley Wood, Britain, seeking food amidst wartime rationing. During this search, 15-year-old Bob Farmer discovered what he initially thought to be an animal skull in a hollow tree but turned out to be a human skull, complete with hair and a few teeth, showing signs of being scavenged by animals. Fearing repercussions for trespassing, the boys replaced the skull and vowed silence.
Boys Cover Up Discovery, one Reports To Authorities
Despite the pact made among the group, 17-year-old Tommy Willets later confessed the grim discovery to his parents, who in turn informed the police, prompting an investigation.
Police Pathologist James Webster Leads the Initial Investigation
Pathologist James Webster spearheaded the initial probe into this macabre case. He believed that the woman, whose body was compactly hidden within the tree's cavity, had been murdered. Webster concluded that a piece of dress fabric found stuffed in the victim's mouth was likely the cause of asphyxiation and therefore her death.
Analysis of Remains and Clothing Reveals Victim's Identity and Time of Death
Webster's team was able to reconstruct the skeleton determining the remains were of a woman, around 35 years old, five feet tall, with brown hair, dead for approximately 18 months by the time of the discovery. Among her belongings were a shoe and a wedding ring, while small bones missing from the skeleton, some of which were found scattered nearby, were a testament to animal activity in the area.
Police Fail to Identify Victim and Solve Case
Despite efforts to solve the mystery, the identity of ...
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Investigation of "Bella in the Witch Elm" Case
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Actionables
- You can enhance your observational skills by practicing a "mystery walk" where you take a route in your neighborhood and note unusual items or anything out of place, similar to how the boys noticed the skull. This could be as simple as spotting a piece of clothing in an odd location or identifying signs of wildlife in urban areas. The goal is to train your eye for detail and improve your situational awareness.
- Develop a basic understanding of forensic science by participating in online citizen science projects that involve solving fictional crimes. These platforms often use real-world techniques and can give you a taste of forensic investigation, teaching you how to piece together evidence and draw conclusions from limited information.
- Create a personal inventory of your belongings wi ...
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Victim's Identity and Death Circumstances Theories
Understanding the identity and death of "Bella" in the Witch Elm case has led to multiple theories, from potential justice-seeking graffiti to accusations of witchcraft and spies.
Graffiti in 1944: "Bella" and the "Witch Elm"
Graffiti originating in March of 1944 with the phrase "who put Bella down the witch elm" prompted police to consider the possibility that the person behind the messages knew the victim and sought justice. Despite reopening the case and investigating further, the police found no new leads. "Who put Loubella in the Witch Elm" discovered in Halesowen presented another name, but this too led nowhere.
Graffiti Implies Someone Knows the Victim's Identity and Seeks Justice For Her Death
The nature of the graffiti led authorities to believe that someone must know the victim's identity and the circumstances behind her death. The messages implied an insider's knowledge, even as they lacked any tangible information that could provide a breakthrough in the case.
Police Probe Graffiti-Witch Elm Link, Find No Leads
Despite the provocative graffiti, law enforcement's extensive investigations yielded no additional leads. The graffiti did, however, suggest several names for the victim which opened up new avenues for inquiry, though ultimately no connections to identifiable individuals were made.
Folklorist Margaret Murray Proposes Witch Cult Sacrifice
Margaret Murray claimed that the placing of corpses in trees was part of ancient fertility cults and tree worship, suggesting the case was a witchcraft-related sacrifice.
Murray's Theory Ties Case To Witchcraft, "Witch Elm," Despite No Evidence
Murray associated the corpse in the Witch Elm with her theory of ancient tree worship and European fertility cult practices, despite having no evidence to confirm this. The narrative of witchcraft in the case grew with the addition of the severed hand near the tree, which Murray linked to a "Hand of Glory," but again, without evidence.
Writers and Theorists Build On Murray's Witchcraft Narrative
Other writers and theorists expanded upon Murray's theory of witchcraft, contributing to the mystique and unsolvable nature of the "Bella in the Witch Elm" case, making it a part of popular folklore despite the lack of substantiating facts.
Alternate Theory From Anonymous Writer "Una"
An anony ...
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Victim's Identity and Death Circumstances Theories
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Counterarguments
- Graffiti in 1944 suggests someone knows the victim's identity and seeks justice for her death
- Counterargument: The graffiti could have been the work of a prankster or someone seeking attention, rather than someone with actual knowledge of the crime.
- Police probe graffiti-Witch Elm link, find no leads
- Counterargument: The lack of leads from the graffiti might indicate that the messages were not a credible source of information and had no real connection to the case.
- Margaret Murray proposes witch cult sacrifice theory
- Counterargument: Murray's theory is speculative and not supported by concrete evidence; it may reflect her own research interests more than the facts of the case.
- Murray's theory ties case to witchcraft, "Witch Elm," despite no evidence
- Counterargument: The association with witchcraft could be coincidental or a result of cultural biases at the time, rather than an indication of the true nature of the crime.
- Writers and theorists build on Murray's witchcraft narrative
- Counterargument: Building on an unsubstantiated theory can perpetuate myths and distract from factual investigation, potentially obscuring the truth.
- Anonymous writer "Una" provides espionage theory
- Counterargument: Without verification of "Una's" ...
Actionables
- You can explore local history mysteries by visiting your town's historical society or archives to research unresolved cases or legends. By digging into old newspapers, records, and speaking with long-time residents, you might uncover forgotten stories that could benefit from a fresh perspective or modern investigative techniques.
- Start a blog or social media page dedicated to discussing historical mysteries and theories, where you encourage community members to contribute their insights and knowledge. This can be a platform for amateur sleuths to collaborate, share findings, and perhaps even solve long-standing puzzles through collective effort.
- Engage in c ...
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Developments and Attempts to Solve the Case
The mysterious case of "Bella in the Witch Elm" continues to fascinate and puzzle those who delve into its history. However, attempts to solve the case have been thwarted by fabricated details and the loss of key evidence.
Heading: Donald Mccormick's 1968 Book Features Fabricated Details
Mccormick Links Victim to German Spy Clara Bauerle, but Timeline and Details Don't Align
Donald McCormick's 1968 book suggests a connection between the victim and German spy Clara Bauerle. However, the evidence contradicts this theory as Bauerle died after the victim and was significantly taller than the woman found in the tree.
2013 Renewed Attention on German Spy Joseph Jakobs Case
Jakobs Was Arrested In 1941 With a Photo of a Woman Claimed As His Mistress, but No Clear Connection Is Shown
In 2013, the case gained renewed attention due to links to German spy Joseph Jakobs. Josh Clark mentions that Jakobs' granddaughter, Giselle K. Jacobs, applied her academic expertise to research the case on her website.
The Independent theorized that Clara Bauerle, also known as Clara Bella, parachuted into England in 1941 to reunite with her parachuting boyfriend, Josef Jakobs. They proposed that Bauerle might have been the woman found in the tree and killed by an individual named Van Ralt.
Independent's Theory on Victim's Identity and Fate Is Speculative and Contradicted By Evidence
Despite the intriguing narrative, the suggested relationship between Bauerle and the victim known as Bella is speculative and contradicted by evidence. Bauerle was markedly taller than the victim, and she also died a year after "Bella," succumbing to a barbiturate overdose in a German hospital.
Unsuccessful Dna o ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Developments and Attempts to Solve the Case
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance your critical thinking by examining historical mysteries in your local community. Start by researching unsolved cases or legends in your area, then visit local archives or historical societies to gather information. Compare different sources and narratives to practice distinguishing between evidence-based conclusions and speculation.
- Improve your attention to detail by creating a mock investigation game. Use a fictional unsolved mystery, incorporating elements like conflicting witness statements and red herrings. Invite friends or family to solve the case with you, focusing on the importance of evidence over assumptions.
- Develop your problem-solving skills by particip ...
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